Apostolic Exhortation on Holiness Calls Christians to Prayer and Service

16 Pages·2017·6 MB·English

T
he
C
150 W
atholic itness
The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg
April 13, 2018 Vol. 52 No. 7
March 2, 2018 Prayer Vigil
Apostolic Exhortation on Holiness
7:00 P.M. at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Harrisburg.
CaTlhliss w iCll inchlurdei as litvei eananctmse ntt oof th eP Sorrroawfyul eMyrst eraiesn ofd the RSosearyr bvy yiocuneg
people from throughout the Diocese, similar in many ways to the Living Way of the
Cross. This event will replace the traditional Palm Sunday Youth Mass and
By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
Gathering for 2018. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
God calls all Christians to be saints
– not plastic statues of saints, but real
March 3, 2018  Opening Mass for the Anniversary Ypeeoaplre w ho make time for prayer and
who show loving care for others in the
“I do not believe
10:00 A.M. at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Harrisburg. simplest gestures, Pope Francis said in
his new document on holiness.
in holiness
Please join Bishop Gainer as celebrant and Homilist to begin the a“nDno invote bre saafrariyd o yf heoalinre ss. It will
take away none of your energy, vital-
without prayer….”
celebration. A reception, featuring a sampling of ethnic foods fromity ovr ajory,i”o thue sp oepte hwnroitec i n “Gaudete
et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”),
and cultural groups that comprise th~ Peo fpae iFtrhanfcuisl, “oGfa tuhdeete Det iEoxscueltastee”, willh ibs aep ohsteolilcd ex h o r t ation on “the call to
holiness in today’s world.”
immediately following the Mass.
Pope Francis signed the exhortation
March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, and
the Vatican released it April 9.
August 28-September 8, 2018 Pilgrimage to Ireland Much of the document was written in

the second person, speaking directly to
the individual reading it. “With this ex-
Join Bishop Gainer on a twelve-day pilgrimage to the Emerald Isle,
hortation I would like to insist primar-
sponsored by Catholic Charities. In keeping with the 150th annivielyr osna threy c a lcl etol heolbinresas tthiaot nth,e Lord
addresses to each of us, the call that he
the pilgrimage will include a visit to the grave of Saint Patrick, thaelso P aaddtrersosens, Spearsionnatll yo, fto you,” he
wrote near the beginning.
the Diocese of Harrisburg. Participation is limited. Saying he was not writing a theologi-
cal treatise on holiness, Pope Francis
focused mainly on how the call to holi-
ness is a personal call, something God
November 3, 2018 Pilgrimage to Basilica of the National Shrine of
 asks of each Christian and which re-
CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS quires a personal response given one’s
A girl holds a lumtihnaery dIumringm a Raoscaruy plraocetsesio Cn ato Onur cLaedyp otf Fiaotimna Mission in Jonestown this past October. In his state in life, talents and circumstances.
apostolic exhortation on holiness, Pope Francis says the path to holiness is made up of small steps in prayer, in sacrifice
and in service to others. More HOLINESS, page 10
SAVE THE DATE for this diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica in Washington,
D.C. Additional details will be forthcoming.
Don’t Be Afraid of Championship Crusaders
Shame, Open Hearts to
March 3, 2019 Closing Mass for Anniversary Year

God’s Mercy, Pope Says
In the afternoon at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Harrisburg.
PByl eJuansneo Ajoroicnho BEsitesvheso p Gainer as celebrant and homilist for this special Mass to conclude
Catholic News Service
our year-long anniversary celebration.
Feeling ashamed of one’s sins does not mean wallowing
in guilt, rather it is the gateway all men and women can use
For more information: www.hbgdiocese.org/150
to experience firsthand God’s tender mercy and forgiveness,
Pope Francis said.
Christians should be grateful for shame because it “means
that we do not accept evil, and that is good,” the pope said
April 8 at an outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square commemo-
rating Divine Mercy Sunday.
“Shame is a secret invitation of the soul that needs the
Lord to overcome evil,” the pope said. “The tragedy is when
More MERCY, page 9
CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS
The Lancaster Catholic Crusaders celebrate their victory in the PIAA 4A Girls’ Basketball
Championships last month at the Giant Center in Hershey. The win marks the fourth title for the girls’
basketball program, and came on the heels of a third triumph this season over District 3 opponent
Berks Catholic. “They’re such a great group of young ladies to lead,” head coach Charlie Detz said
of the Crusaders after the win. See page 6 for coverage of the game.
2 - The Catholic Witness • April 13, 2018
Harrisburg Chapter of Legatus Bestowed
with 7 Awards at International Summit
Organization for Catholic Executives Fosters Members’ Growth
By Jen Reed
The Catholic Witness
At the annual Legatus summit in Orlando, members of the
Harrisburg Chapter display five of the seven awards. From
The Harrisburg Chapter of Legatus – the world’s only
left are Camille Kostelac-Cherry, Esq., Bishop Ronald Gainer,
membership organization for Catholic CEOs and other
Maria DiSanto and Sen. John DiSanto.
high-level executives – was recognized in more than half
of the awards presented at the organization’s annual sum-
mit earlier this year in Orlando, Florida.
Of the 13 total awards presented across the three-day
international gathering of members from more than 90
chapters, the Harrisburg Chapter received seven.
According to John Knowles, J.D., Legatus Director for
the Northeast and International, it is the largest number of
awards ever given to a single chapter.
“No chapter in the history of Legatus was more deco-
rated with awards and recognition than what Harrisburg
received at the 2018 Legatus Summit in Orlando,” he
told The Catholic Witness. “Harrisburg is not just a high-
performing Legatus chapter that enjoyed a good year in
2017. Harrisburg has set a new standard for excellence in
pursuit of the Legatus Mission. Our organization is today
amidst a bold strategic plan to double in size and expand
internationally in the next five years. Harrisburg has
shown us the way.”
Legatus is a membership organization for Catholic
business leaders and their spouses. Founded in 1987 by
Tom Monaghan, Legatus – Latin for “ambassador” – sup-
ports members in living and sharing their faith in both
their personal and professional lives.
The organization offers monthly gatherings that include
the Rosary, the opportunity for Confession, Holy Mass, a
meal, a dynamic presentation from a guest speaker, and COURTESY OF AMY DILLON, FOR LEGATUS
time for sharing insights about the faith and liv-
another benefit of membership in Legatus, noted Mrs.
ing it daily.
Kostelac-Cherry, CEO of the Pennsylvania Dental As-
At the summit in Orlando, representatives
sociation. She routinely invites employees to Mass on
from the Harrisburg Chapter included Sen. John
holy days of obligation, or to other services during the
and Maria DiSanto, Judge John Cherry, and Ca-
Church’s liturgical year.
mille Kostelac-Cherry, Steve and Tanya Dayton,
“I’ve invited practicing Catholics, lapsed Catholic
and Bishop Ronald Gainer, chaplain. The chap-
and even non-Catholics to Mass on Ash Wednesday, on
ter was bestowed with the following awards:
holy days, or for the blessing of throats, all with a simple
• National Ambassador of the Year – honoring
invitation: ‘Interested in coming to Mass with me? Let’s
Sen. DiSanto for outstanding Christian witness
go, and then we can grab lunch,’” she noted. “It opens the
in the community. It is the most prestigious
door to a dialogue about our faith and how important it is
award that Legatus bestows.
to model Catholic life in the workplace. It’s inspiring to
• National Membership Chair of the Year
see how co-workers respond, in turn helping to evange-
– recognizing Maria DiSanto for leading the
lize on a daily basis.”
chapter in recruiting the most new members.
“What Legatus does for me is validate that there are
• National 100% Renewals Award – recogniz-
others like me who are exemplifying the faith in the
ing 100% membership retention in 2017. Harris-
workplace,” she said, “Our Legatus friends have become
burg was one of five chapters to earn this award.
another family; a family in faith, in Christ, and in spiritual
• National Angott Award for Outstanding
growth. I treasure the bonds we have created.”
Membership Growth – honoring chapters with
the highest total membership growth by percent- JEN REED, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS As the Harrisburg Chapter has grown, so has the ca-
age. Harrisburg had the highest membership The Harrisburg Legatus Chapter banner is shown with five of maraderie among members, like-minded Catholics who
growth of any Legatus chapter worldwide in the seven national and regional awards bestowed at Legatus’ share a common basis, observed Mrs. DiSanto.
2017. annual summit. The seven awards are the largest number “Legatus is a wonderful organization for high-level
• Northeast Region Ace of the Year – recog- ever given to a single chapter. executives who are under the constraints of travel and
nizing Mrs. DiSanto for recruiting the most new work to set aside time dedicated to be with their spouse
business owners/leaders who are well grounded in their
members in the Northeast Region. and work on deepening their faith,” she said.
faith, people who want to study, live and spread the faith
• Northeast Region Program Chair of the Year – honor- Reflecting on the impressive number of awards their
in their businesses and their personal lives,” he said. “The
ing Camille Kostelac-Cherry for her leadership in arrang- chapter received at the summit, Sen. and Mrs.
commitment to these principles has created meaningful
ing excellent monthly programs for the chapter. DiSanto and Mrs. Kostelac-Cherry acknowledged that
friendships among the members.
• Northeast Region Campbell Award – recognizing the a repeat performance next year would be an improbable
“We are blessed that the bishop is the chaplain for our
Harrisburg Chapter for superior monthly chapter pro- feat, especially in the retention and new membership
chapter,” said Mr. Christ, Chairman of McConkey Insur-
grams. categories.
ance & Benefits in York. “His participation is an impor-
There are currently 20 Legatus chapters in the North- Still, they are prepared to delve into secondary markets
tant part of the Legatus experience in Harrisburg. That
east Region. to gain members beyond the Harrisburg area.
is evidenced by the record growth of our chapter which
The Harrisburg Chapter was officially chartered on “We are trying to get additional people who meet the
received several awards at the recent annual Summit in
May 31, 2016. Bishop Ronald Gainer had introduced Le- eligibility requirements to join, and recruitment means
gatus into the Diocese of Lexington during his episcopacy January.” talking about the organization wherever we go,” Mrs. DiS-
there, and found it so rewarding for its members that he Chartered with 25 founding member couples in 2016, anto said. “I wear my Legatus pin at functions because,
wanted to begin a chapter in Harrisburg as well. today the Harrisburg Chapter has 36 member couples. nine times out of ten, if you have a symbol that people
“I truly look forward to our monthly gatherings which The seeds planted two years ago have already borne fruit. aren’t familiar with, they will ask you about it, and this
feed us spiritually, socially and intellectually,” Bishop “Legatus has been very instrumental for Maria and me presents an opportunity to share.”
Gainer said. in focusing on keeping our morals and values at the center Continued growth the goal all around.
“Legatus members are all noted leaders in the busi- of our lives, in business and in politics,” Sen. DiSanto “From the very beginning, our vision in Harrisburg was
ness and professional world. As our lives grow closer to told The Catholic Witness. “It fills a real need in the busi- to create not just a new Legatus chapter to compliment the
Christ, His truth and love become more evident in our ness world, where there is often a lack of accountability 90+ chapters across North America, but a large, vibrant,
homes, the workplace and society,” he remarked. and patience. Legatus gives Catholic business leaders the exemplar Legatus community that would be a model for
At the summit in January, Bishop Gainer celebrated the opportunity to discuss our faith, grow in it, and then take all others to aspire towards,” Mr. Knowles remarked.
opening Mass for more than 450 Legatus members and it into our business lives.” “Since the first Harrisburg Chapter meeting in September
affiliates. Receiving the Ambassador of the Year Award for his 2015, the vision has been realized and surpassed.”
“I was proud to see our Harrisburg Chapter recognized faithful witness as an elected official, Sen. DiSanto said “I’ve developed friendships that are deeper than lifelong
nationally and several of our members awarded for their he was surprised by the honor. friendships I’ve formed anywhere else,” Sen. DiSanto
outstanding commitment,” he said of the gathering. “My efforts in the legislature in defending the faith and said of his membership in Legatus. “I think the Harrisburg
Henry Christ, President of the Harrisburg Chapter, bringing a moral perspective to conversations are things Chapter is only going to continue to deepen friendships –
described Legatus is a low-profile, high-energy organiza- I was doing as a Catholic leader, so I was recognized for and our faith – in the coming years.”
tion. what I was doing anyway as a Catholic.” (For more information on Legatus, including member-
“The Legatus Experience is designed for Catholic Validation of living the faith in the business world is ship eligibility requirements, visit www.legatus.org.)
April 13, 2018 • The Catholic Witness - 3
Letter from Bishop Gainer erating fully with the Grand Jury overseeing the investigation. When the report is
released, we will offer appropriate comment.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I also want to assure you that we have taken every step possible to assure the safety
As you know, for two years the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has been
of our children.
conducting an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by the clergy of six of the
I ask that you continue to keep the well-being of our Diocese in your daily prayers.
eight Latin Dioceses of Pennsylvania, including our own Diocese of Harrisburg. Ar-
I ask that you pray first for the survivors of abuse wherever those atrocious crimes
ticles in some local newspapers have beg un to appear, speculating about the content
may have occurred. I also ask that you pray for me and for the faithful priests of our
of the report and its release date. I think it is important to note that the spokesperson
Diocese who serve you with such dedication and zeal in their daily ministry to you.
for the Attorney General has said: “Protecting the secrecy of Statewide Investigating
Be assured of my gratitude for your goodness and faith during this blessed Easter
Grand Juries is paramount. Only those individuals directly involved with the Grand
Season.
Jury are aware of its inner workings, and any speculation on current or former inves-
tigations from people outside of that small population should be dismissed.” (Carolyn
M. Simpson, Deputy Director of Communications for Pennsylvania’s Office of Attor- Sincerely in Christ,
ney General) Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer. D.D.
I want to assure you, the faithful people of our Diocese, that we have been coop- Bishop of Harrisburg
Deacon Flannery World Youth Day
Laid to Rest Panama City ~ January 21-28, 2019
Deacon Thomas H. Flannery, 80, of Harrisburg,
A pilgrimage for post high
died on April 3 at his home. He had been a dea-
school young adults ages 18-35
con in the Diocese of Harrisburg for 40 years.
Deacon Flannery was born December 26, 1937, in from the Diocese of Harrisburg
Reading, Pa.; he was the son of the late Hubert L. and and the Archdiocese of Baltimore
Margaret R. (Bowe) Flannery.
He was the owner of Transport Trailer Service,
Young adults ages 18-35 from around
Harrisburg; worked for Transcon Freight Lines, Me-
the world with gather with the Holy Fa-
chanicsburg; was retired from Shaffer Trucking, New
ther for a week of engaging prayer, vi-
Kingston, and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Ko-
brant liturgy, powerful catechesis with
rean War.
bishops from around the world, concerts
He was ordained to the permanent diaconate in
from Catholic artists, and an unforget-
the Diocese of Harrisburg on June 3, 1978, and as-
table vigil and Mass with the pope.
signed to St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Harrisburg.
He was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to reserve your spot.
Columbus and the Serra Club.
Total cost for the pilgrimage is $3,200.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on
Saturday, April 7, at St. Catherine Labouré Church.
For more information, contact:
Private burial was in St. Paul’s Mission Church Cem-
Robert Williams
etery, Douglasville.
Director, Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Deacon Flannery was preceded in death by his
Diocese of Harrisburg
brother, Patrick Flannery.He is survived by his wife,
717-657-4804, ext. 328
Mary Ann Flannery; a son, Patrick T. Flannery, wife,
[email protected]
Joanne, of Eastampton, NJ; a daughter, Louise Ann
Flannery, companion, Mark R. Barlow, of Malvern; 2
Or visit www.hbgdiocese.org/youngchurch
granddaughters, Nicole Crabtree and Shannon Flan-
nery; and 3 brothers, Joseph, Gerald and Daniel Flan-
#Panama2019
nery, all of Reading.
Job Opening:
Bishop Gainer’s
Executive Director for Public Relations
Public Calendar
The Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking to find an Executive Director to direct
the Communications Ministry of the Diocese of Harrisburg.
The Executive Director for Public Relations will assist the Bishop in ad-
vancing the mission of the diocese through developing and implementing the
• April 14 – Confirmation, St. Joseph Church, York, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.;
communications initiatives in the Diocesan Strategic Plan. They will be re-
Bishop McDevitt Blue & Gold Gala, Bishop McDevitt High School,
sponsible for all strategic communications and media relations, together with
Harrisburg, 5:30 p.m.
actively reporting the news and promoting events of the Diocese, parishes and
• April 15 – Confirmation, St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, 4 p.m.
ministries to further the evangelization efforts of the Diocese and the mission
• April 16 – Celebrate Mass for the Harrisburg Diocesan Council of of the Church.
Catholic Women Convention, Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg. They will oversee and coordinate the digital media currently in use by the
Diocese and will devise a strategic plan to expand the use of digital media in
• April 18 – Celebrate Mass at Carmel of Jesus Mary & Joseph, Elysburg,
the distribution of a unified message. They will oversee the editorial content,
10 a.m.
news operations, product development and business affairs of The Catholic
• April 19 – Confirmation, St. Francis Xavier Church, Gettysburg, 7 p.m.
Witness, a bi-weekly newspaper publication.
• April 20 – Holy Family Radio Fundraising Dinner, Sheraton Applicants must be a practicing Roman Catholic possessing the ability to
Harrisburg-Hershey, 6 p.m. respect, promote, accommodate, and not be in conflict with the mission, moral
and social teachings, doctrines, and laws of the Roman Catholic faith. Ap-
• April 21 – Confirmation, St. John the Baptist Church, New Freedom, 10
plicants must be in good standing with the Catholic Church. Applicants need
a.m.
to demonstrate initiative, leadership, problem solving and excellent people
• April 22 – Diocesan Catholic Scouting Mass, Good Shepherd Church, skills. They must exhibit mastery of journalism, grammar and communication
Camp Hill, 2 p.m. skills and general news operation.
• April 23 – Celebrate Mass and School Visit, St. Francis Xavier School, Required:
Gettysburg, 9:30 a.m. • Bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Communications or related field. A Mas-
ter’s degree or APR, IABC, or another professional accreditation preferred.
• April 24 – Celebrate 100th Anniversary Mass, St. Lawrence Chapel,
• Ten years’ experience managing communications with significant public
Harrisburg, 7 p.m.
image.
• April 26 – Visit to Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood. Bilingual Spanish – English speaking and writing is a plus.
• April 28 – Confirmation, Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Lykens,
10 a.m. Full job description can be seen at www.hbgdiocese.org/jobs.
• April 29 – Confirmation, St. Aloysius Church, Littlestown, 10 a.m. If this sounds like you, apply now to [email protected].
4 - The Catholic Witness • April 13, 2018
April is Child Abuse Jubilee: The Holy Ground
Prevention Month Mother Maria Kaupas
By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC
Special to The Witness
Some time ago, I was told the following story:
A young man was asked by a friend to be picked up at the airport. He was coming
home after spending some time on vacation in Ireland.
During the trip home, he had met an Irish gentleman named Patrick who was emi-
grating from Ireland to United States. Patrick’s family was quite poor, and he was
chosen to go to the United States, get a job, and send his salary back to Ireland. The
American traveler was taken aback, not only by Patrick’s eager-
ness, but also by his lack of fear. Patrick had never met his future
employer. He was told that “everything
was arranged.” All he had was a name,
a telephone number and a promise that Thoughts
someone would pick him up at the airport. from a Catholic
As the two American friends were re-
Evangelist
united, Patrick was introduced to his
Sister Geralyn
fellow traveler’s friend outside of cus-
toms. The two American men quickly Schmidt, SCC
exchanged Patrick’s story. He was abso-
lutely thrilled to be in America! The two
Americans waited to see if someone would “claim” Patrick.
The Diocese of Harrisburg is committed to the safety of children. We take
After the crowd from the flight departed, it became apparent that no one showed
very seriously the protection of youth in all Church related activities and
up for Patrick. Since this was the “pre-cell phone” era, the American men searched
programs. We are working to make the Catholic Church one of the safest
for a telephone booth and dialed the phone number that Patrick had in his possession.
institutions in the country. It had been disconnected.
To report the suspected abuse of a minor, you must notify both law Terror quickly replaced the eagerness in Patrick’s eyes. What could be done? The
enforcement and the Church. First, call the PA Child Abuse Hotline at men did not want to leave him at the airport. He had no money for lunch, let alone a
1-800-932-0313. To report suspected abuse of a minor by a Church official, ticket back to Ireland.
employee or volunteer, no matter when it happened, call the diocesan toll One of the Americans had an idea. He asked Patrick for a reference; a name and
free hotline at 1-800-626-1608. telephone number in Ireland. He folded $20 in the hand of the other American and
told them to go eat lunch. As Patrick and his new American friend walked away, the
In the Diocese of Harrisburg we:
other American began a flurry of telephone calls. He called the Motherhouse of the
• Have zero tolerance for anyone who is guilty of even one instance of
Sisters of Christian Charity in New Jersey. It seemed that one of the maintenance
abuse.
men had just resigned his position and the job hadn’t been filled. He asked the Sister
• Offer opportunities to help victims to heal.
who was in charge of the working men if she was still hiring because he had a “guy
• Screen all employees and volunteers before they can begin service.
in mind.” He then called his administrative assistant and asked her to call Ireland,
• Educate our youth on how to stay safe. inquiring about Patrick’s character and work. He asked her to call the payphone when
• Train employees and volunteers on how to recognize and report abuse. she got the answer.
• Disclose all allegations to local civil authorities. When Patrick and his new friend returned from the lunch, the man who made
• Exceed State and national requirements. the phone calls sat down with Patrick and began interviewing him regarding his
• Undergo an annual independent audit of our procedures. work experience and what he could expect working for the Sisters. Meanwhile, his
To learn more about what you can do to prevent abuse, how to report administrative assistant called to give Patrick a “gold star.” Needless to say, Patrick
was hired at the terminal of the airport! He would go on to work for the Sisters of
abuse, assistance available to victims and Youth Protection efforts of the
Christian Charity for more than 30 years!
Diocese, please visit: www.hbgdiocese.org/safeyouth.
I could not help think about this story as I reflect on the life of Venerable Mother
Maria Kaupas, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Casimir. She was completely unknown
to me before I began doing research about the saints who lived in our diocese.
Casimira Kaupas was born in 1880 in Ramygala, Lithuania. When she was 17, her
Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
brother, a pastor of St. Joseph Lithuanian Parish in Scranton, requested her to come
Invites all women of the diocese to join us at the to America to be his housekeeper. During the four years she stayed in Scranton, she
met religious Sisters for the first time and realized that she was attracted to religious
Eighth Annual Retreat
life.
Casimira was asked to begin a Lithuanian congregation of women religious for the
Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg purpose of educating the youth in a Catholic setting, preserving the culture, customs
and language of Lithuania.
June 8 – 10, 2018 (Friday evening-Sunday Noon)
She then spent three years in Ingenbohl, Switzerland, in formation with the Sisters
“Mother of Mercy, Our Life, Our Sweetness and our Hope” of Mercy of the Holy Cross, who prepared her for missionary work in America. At
the same time, her brother searched for a priest who would guide the Congregation
Retreat Master: Very Reverend Neil S. Sullivan
in the United States.
Pastor, St. Catherine Labouré Parish, Harrisburg
Bishop John W. Shanahan of the Diocese of Harrisburg granted the request of
Father Neil Sullivan was ordained to the priesthood in 1997. He is a fre- sponsorship. He requested the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in
quent retreat leader, workshop presenter on liturgical theology and serves as Scranton to accept Casimira and her two companions into their formation program.
a liturgical consultant in a variety of capacities. He is a member of the leader- On August 29, 1907, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Casimir was founded.
ship team and liturgical coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Congress on Pastoral Mother Maria was appointed Superior of the group. Bishop Shanahan recommended
Leadership. the title of the congregation to give honor to St. Casimir, the patron saint of Lithu-
Registration Deadline: May 21, 2018 ania. Mother Maria Kaupas then traveled to Mount Carmel where the small commu-
Contact Barbara McCarthy at 717-534-1858 or nity of Sisters opened up their first parish convent and school. On January 6, 1908,
[email protected] with questions or to register. Holy Cross School opened with more than 70 students! As the congregation grew,
Registration forms are also available on the HDCCW website http://hdccw. she sent other Sisters to teach Lithuanian immigrants throughout the United States
and South America. She established her Motherhouse outside of Chicago, within the
webs.com/calendar
heart of a large Lithuanian community.
The Mother Maria Kaupas Center in Mount Carmel stands as a testament to her
today. It serves as a home for projects and programs that benefit the community’s
ThCe W elderly, the sick and the home-bound, and those who are in need of food or basic
home maintenance.
atholic itness
During her lifetime, it has been said that Mother Maria, with the grace of God,
formed the spiritual identity of the congregation. She taught the Sisters that the “mis-
sion entrusted to them by the Church – works of faith and love – must flow from a life
The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg
of union with God rooted in faith, built on love and imbued with a spirit of hope.” 1
Telephone The Catholic Witness Hope is the powerhouse that leads every immigrant to begin a new life in a new
717-657-4804 ext. 201 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG country. Pope Francis says it this way: “Hope is the push in the heart of those who
FAX
717-657-7673 Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer: Publisher leave their home, and sometimes their family and relatives – I am thinking of mi-
Email: [email protected] grants – to find a better life, with more dignity for themselves and their loved ones.
Staff
… It’s also the push in the heart of those who welcome: the desire to encounter, meet,
Website: www.hbgdiocese.org
Jennifer Reed: Managing Editor dialogue… hope is the push to share the journey.” 2
Yearly Subscriptions:
$8.17 per family, derived from Chris Heisey: Photojournalist Hope is was the powerhouse that gave Patrick eagerness and courage to go some-
diocesan revenues from the place and to do something that he did not really know about. Hope was at the heart of
parishes. Other subscriptions: The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, USPS 557 120) is published biweekly those two Americans who saw a fellow human being in need of help.
$12.00 except Christmas/New Year and July by the Harrisburg Catholic Publishing Association,
Hope is the legacy of not only those two Americans and Patrick, but also of the Sis-
4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 3710. Periodicals postage paid at
Moving? Send us the address label ters of St. Casimir, not only for our diocese but also for the entire American Church!
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April 13, 2018 • The Catholic Witness - 5
At 88 Years Old, Joseph Galati
Serves Mass with a Lifetime of Reverence
By Mary Klaus church’s Stations of the Cross and serving with
The Catholic Witness St. Michael’s Guard, a group men who serve at
Mass for the bishop. He also spent three years
Wearing a black cassock and white surplice, studying to become a lay ecclesial minister for
Joseph Galati reverently lit the candles for dai-
the diocese.
ly Mass at Holy Family Church in Harrisburg
Deacon Philip Ladouceur of Holy Family
one recent morning.
Parish calls Mr. Galati “a loving servant of
Minutes later, this dedicated altar server
God. I never saw an altar server so dedicated
was assisting the priest and deacon during the
and in love with Jesus Christ.”
Mass and bringing them the bread, wine, Ro-
man Missal and Lectionary as needed. He does Mr. Galati marvels at the changes he’s seen
this every weekday – and wouldn’t have it any in his lifetime as a Catholic – Masses in Eng-
other way. lish not Latin, the priest facing the congrega-
Although Mr. Galati might not move as tion instead of having his back toward the peo-
quickly as his younger counterparts – he is, af- ple during Mass, communicants standing to
ter all, a sprightly 88 years young – he serves receive the Holy Eucharist instead of kneeling,
with the joy of youth and the reverence of a
and the congregation actively participating in
lifetime of devotion.
the Mass instead of passively listening.
He also proves that it’s never too late to be-
Yet, he says, modern life poses special chal-
come an altar server.
lenges to Catholicism.
“I wasn’t a server as a boy,” he said. “But I
“People today are so involved in so many
became one 35 years ago when our pastor, the
late Msgr. Mercurio Fregapane, asked me to things,” he said, lamenting that sometimes
be a server when he celebrated Italian Masses people don’t make time for God. “The prob-
here. I speak Italian. So I agreed and have been MARY KLAUS, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS lem is getting them in the door. Some people
a server ever since.” Joseph Galati lights a candle prior to daily Mass at Holy Family Church in see the church as one more thing to do. Should
These days, Mr. Galati serves at daily Mass Harrisburg. Mr. Galati, 88, has been an altar server there for 35 years. their kid go to soccer or to Mass? They need to
at Holy Family. He’s a natural at it.
make time for God.”
saw Camille again,” he recalled. “We got en- They belonged to St. Margaret
Born in Italy in 1929, he was 2 when his
Galati smiled when asked how he stays so
gaged on July 8, 1956, and got married that Mary Parish in Penbrook until Msgr.
parents moved to the United States. His father
November.” Fregapane talked them into joining Holy Fam- young and vibrant.
worked for Bethlehem Steel in Steelton and
His wife of 52 years smiled, saying that ily, where they’ve been ever since. Mr. Galati “My wife and I never drank,” he said. “We
later at his brother’s grocery store in Steelton,
then at a tavern. “God knew what he was doing getting us to- has chaired the parish’s Lenten Appeal for 27 eat a good Mediterranean diet. And I love Holy
“I grew up in a very Italian Catholic family,” gether.” years and regularly attends the parish’s Rosa- Family Catholic Church, which really is a fam-
Mr. Galati recalled. “We spoke Italian at home. Along the way, Mr. Galati attended North- ries and Stations of the Cross. ily. We take care of our own here.”
I mostly grew up at Our Lady of the Blessed western University where he learned to be a When he says that “everyone knows me,” When he’s not involved in parish projects,
Sacrament Catholic Church in Uptown Har- traffic engineer. He worked in that capacity for he’s not kidding. Mr. Galati enjoys seeing plays at the Dutch
risburg.” the City of Harrisburg for four years, then for “Msgr. Fregapane was like a brother to me,” Apple Dinner Theater in Lancaster or cheer-
While he was attending “Catholic Sunday the Pennsylvania Department of Transporta- Mr. Galati said. “We used to talk in Italian. He ing on his beloved Penn State Nittany Lions.
School” at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacra- tion for the next 31 years. told me that he needed a server who spoke Ital-
He’s also been president of the Knights of Co-
ment, he met a young woman named Camille. He also graduated in 1968 from the Univer- ian for the Italian Masses, so I agreed to do it.
lumbus, the March of Dimes and several other
He was smitten. sity of Pennsylvania Wharton Graduate School I never took classes, I just did it! Later, I spent
organizations, and is founder and past presi-
He graduated from Penn State University with a master’s degree in government admin- 20 years as the scheduler of our altar servers.”
dent of the Joseph V. Galati Lodge 2857 Grand
with a degree in political science, then went to istration. Over the years, Mr. Galati has been involved
serve in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean “Camille and I had a house on Green Street in all aspects of Holy Family Parish: work- Lodge of Pennsylvania Sons and Daughters of
War. He and Camille wrote to each other while and had a daughter, Maria, whom we call Mia,” ing at the fundraising pasta dinners, schedul- Italy.
he was in Korea. he said. “We moved to Susquehanna Township ing lectors, leading Bible studies, chairing the (Mary Klaus is a freelance reporter for The
“When I came back, I went to church and in 1964 and have been there ever since.” finance committee, helping his wife paint the Catholic Witness.)
Delone Catholic’s Kristen Landsman Wins International
Holocaust Art Contest with Piece Titled “Humanity”
By Jennifer Hart class,” stated Mrs. Reed. “Her con-
Special to The Witness test entry exceeded my expectations
on every level. It literally took my
Kristen Landsman, a senior at breath away!”
Delone Catholic High School The contest is sponsored by Chap-
in McSherrystown, has won awards man University, The 1939 Society,
for her artwork in the past, but a the Samueli Foundation and Yossie
recent art contest was different. Her and Dana Hollander. The groups
pencil rendition titled “Humanity,” reported that Landsman’s winning
based on the verbal testimony of piece was chosen from entries sub-
Holocaust survivor Natan Gipsman, mitted by students from 255 schools
won the top prize in the “Messengers
that spanned 31 states and eight
of Memory” 19th Annual Holocaust
countries.
Art & Writing Contest.
“When I received the picture of
“My piece, Humanity, was
Natan with my picture, it absolutely
inspired by Natan Gipsman’s heart-
warmed my heart. It was a com-
wrenching testimony. I wanted to
pletely unexpected treat for me, and
portray his suffering, but also the
I could not stop smiling,” Kristen
courage and determination that
said. “To see a man who I knew had
Natan and his companion demon-
gone through something he made
strated,” Kristen said. “I wanted
sound worse than hell itself and is
to capture the brave, split-second
now able to smile so big is abso-
decision when Natan’s friend hoisted
lutely inspiring.”
him up and carried him after he had
As part of her first place award,
collapsed. If Natan had been left on
COURTESY OF DELONE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Kristen, Mrs. Reed and a parent will
the ground just a few minutes longer, Above: Kristen Landsman is shown with her
receive an all-expense paid learning
he would have been shot. That mo- Humanities teacher, Mrs. Jessica Reed.
experience that includes a dinner
ment, which could have resulted
Right: “Humanity,” by Delone Catholic High with Holocaust survivors, a trip to
in his death but instead led to his
School student Kristen Landsman, won the the Los Angeles Museum of the
survival, deserves recognition.”
International Holocaust Art Contest. Holocaust, the National Museum of
Prior to creating her contest entry,
Tolerance and the Japanese Ameri-
she viewed a two-hour video of
can History Museum. They will also
Gipsman describing his survival sto-
receive theater tickets for the musi-
ry. She pieced his testimony together
with what she had learned in her Humanities class, “The Holocaust and Its Lessons.” Mrs. cal “The Color Purple,” which is touring in Los Angeles. Kristen, Mrs. Reed and Delone
Jessica Reed, Landsman’s teacher, knew she would be an excellent candidate for this contest. Catholic also receive a cash prize.
“I received a flyer describing the contest criteria and felt this was an excellent way for (Jennifer Hart is the Director of Admissions and Marketing at Delone Catholic High
Kristen to showcase her artistic talent and reinforce the concepts we were discussing in School.)
6 - The Catholic Witness • April 13, 2018
State Championship Caps Undefeated
Season for Lancaster Catholic
By Jen Reed
The Catholic Witness
The Lancaster Catholic Crusaders
were hungry.
Taking the floor at the Giant Center
in Hershey for the PIAA Class 4A
Girls’ Basketball Championship on
March 28 with the success of an un-
blemished record, they set their sights
on a state title in the outcome of their
third match-up this season against the
Berks Catholic Saints.
Pouring on their defensive attack
and riding an offensive wave led by
Kiki Jefferson’s game-high 24 points,
the Crusaders secured their program’s
fourth state title with a 51-36 win over
their fellow District 3 rivals.
“It’s just an unbelievable ending to
an incredible season,” Crusaders head
coach Charlie Detz said. “I know I’m
demanding, and they feed off of that.
They want to go out there, they want to
perform, they want to follow the game
plan. They’re such a great group of
young ladies to lead.”
Their desire for a trip to the state
championships took on fuel last
March, after a Final Four loss to Villa
Maria Academy.
“The season started in November,
yes, but for us, it started last spring.
CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS
These girls have just been hungry The Lancaster Catholic Crusaders taste the sweet reward of hard work after winning the Girls 4A PIAA State
since then,” Coach Detz said. “It’s so Championship in Hershey.
rewarding for
me as a coach the lead at the buzzer
to see all of after nailing a three-
their hard work
pointer heaved from
in the last 12
half court.
months pay
But Lancaster
off with a state
Catholic stepped on
championship.”
the gas, relentless in
The open-
their defensive pres-
ing quarter of
sure, scoring off of
the title game
turnovers and shooting
– a rematch of
85% from the foul line,
the District 3
while Berks Catholic
championship
went 13 for 46 inside
just four weeks
the paint.
earlier – was
Capping their perfect
closely con-
tested. Berks At 32-0, the Crusaders lived up to the team’s motto for Lauren Mills, senior, reflects on capturing a state title for a season at 32-0, the
Catholic took the season. program that has had decades of success. Crusaders captured the
first state champion-
ship for the girls’ program since 1996.
Kiki Jefferson, who hit an
Lancaster
Point guard Marlia Matters, 1,800-point milestone earlier this
Catholic’s all-state
sophomore, drives down the
player Kiki season, accepted the gold trophy with
lane in the first half against
Jefferson defends teammate Lauren Mills, the only senior
Berks Catholic. The Crusaders
against the Saints’ on the team.
beat the Saints three times this
Dejah Terrell, a “It’s amazing,” Jefferson told the
season.
Rider University media. “I’m at a loss for words. We
commit. kept our poise and we just kept play-
Jefferson poured
ing. This is very special. We took
in 24 points and
every team’s best hit. It was a great
15 rebounds to
season.”
lead the way for
Pausing to celebrate with members
the Crusaders.
of the student body in the stands,
sophomore Marlia Matters, who came
to Lancaster Catholic this year, wiped
away tears of joy.
“This championship means so much.
This is my first experience with all of
this,” she said as she basked in the cel-
ebration. “We’ve put in so much hard
work and dedication this season.”
“We knew Berks would be coming
for us, since we had already beaten
them twice this season. But we were
focused on coming out with a fire be-
hind us to get the job done,” she said.
“It’s absolutely incredible to play for
this team,” Matters said. “It’s a school
community that supports everybody in
everything you do, from basketball to
quiz bowl. It’s absolutely amazing.”
April 13, 2018 • The Catholic Witness - 7
Religious Sisters Recognized for Milestone Anniversaries
Religious Sisters in the Diocese of
Harrisburg who are marking mile- Sister Judith Tarozzi, DM,
stone jubilee anniversaries this year and 70-year-jubilarian
were recognized and honored during Sister Theresa DiNunzio,
the annual Sisters’ Jubilee celebration SCC, engage in conversation.
hosted by the Diocesan Secretariat
for Clergy and Consecrated Life on
April 7 at the Cardinal Keeler Center
in Harrisburg. The gathering to rec-
ognize the Sisters for their ministry
and service began with a Mass cele-
brated by Bishop Ronald Gainer, and
included photos with the bishop and
a luncheon for the jubilarians in at-
tendance, as well as members of their
congregations who were present for
the celebration.
Left: Christian Charity Sisters
Carol Schuyler, violin, and
Elizabeth Kovacs, piano, provide
musical accompaniment during the
annual Sisters Jubilee Mass
at the Cardinal Keeler Center in
Harrisburg April 7.
Congratulations
to This Year’s
Jubilarians
40 Years
Sister Faustina Marie, OP
50 Years
Sister Regina Park, OCD
Sister Teresa Catherine
Walsh, IHM
Sister Marie Clare, OP
Sister Jeanne Ambre, SSCM
55 Years
Sister Margaret Dubas, SSCM
Sister M. Michaelette
Lennartz, SSCM
Sister M. Zoe Zollar, SSCM
60 Years
Sister Mary Anne Nemec, SSCM
Sister Bernadette Marie Ondus,
SSCM
CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS
65-year-jubiliarian Sister Margaret Washington, ASC, carries the processional crucifix during Mass celebrated in Sister Eileen Miriam Burnett, IHM
recognition of religious Sisters marking milestone anniversaries this year.
Sister M. Lydia Benyish, SSCM
Sister Josine Glunk, SCC
Reenactment of Sorrowful Sister Rose William Fallon, SCC
Sister M. Teresita Iskra, SSCM
Mysteries Now Online
Sister M. Helene Trueitt, ASC
Sister Paula Marie Beiter, SCC
65 Years
Sister Margaret Washington, ASC
Sister M. Cyrilline Biel, SSCM
Sister M. Catherine Labouré
Bresnock, SSCM
Sister M. Brigid Fasiang, SSCM
70 Years
Sister Margaret Kob, OCD
Sister Marietta DiNunzio, SCC
Sister Theresa DiNunzio, SCC
Sister M. Cabrini Steber, SSCM
The reenactment of the Sorrowful Mysteries of
75 Years
the Rosary presented by youth of the diocese for the
Sister Helen Marie Cronin, SCC
Prayer Vigil to open the Diocese’s 150th anniversary is
now available in an online video. 80 Years
Visit www.hbgdiocese.org/150 Sister Dolores McKenna, SCC
and select the “Videos” tab
Sister M. Pierre Koesters, SCC
8 - The Catholic Witness • April 13, 2018
Good Friday Superbly Brought to Life in Harrisburg
By Chris Heisey
The Catholic Witness
Twilight on Good Friday was especially
poignant in the Allison Hill neigh-
borhood surrounding St. Francis of Assisi
Church in Harrisburg, as more than 400
faithful gathered for a powerful rendition of
the Living Stations of the Cross. Beginning
inside the church, parish actors garbed in au-
thentic robes and props recreated each station
as they departed for the city’s streets.
First down Market Street and then back up
Derry Street through the heart of the capital
city’s urban surroundings, the stirring betray-
al of Christ’s last hours were played out by
actors in beautiful fashion, which culminated
in the church’s courtyard with a dramatic ac-
count of Christ’s last moments on the Cross.
Performed mostly in Spanish, with several
readings also in English, the procession was
led by Capuchin Franciscan Father Orlando
Reyes, pastor, and his brother priests. Not
only did parishioners participate in the sol-
emn and thoughtful acts, many of the city’s
neighborhood residents watched in the grow-
ing darkness from their windows and porches
on the cool, breezy evening.
Miguel Angel Chui offers a moving potrayal of Jesus as the Way of
the Cross processes through Harrisburg on Good Friday.
Maricela
Tenorio, as Mary,
and Miguel Angel
Chui, as Jesus,
reenact the
moment that
Christ is placed in
his mother’s arms
following the
Crucifixion.
Members of St.
Francis of Assisi
Parish in
Harrisburg
participate in
the Way of the
Cross each year
on Good Friday,
drawing
neighborhood
spectators for the
reenactment of
the Stations of the
Cross.
CHRIS HEISEY, THE
CATHOLIC WITNESS
April 13, 2018 • The Catholic Witness - 9
Msgr. King Celebrates Anniversary on Divine Mercy Sunday
By Jen Reed
The Catholic Witness
On Divine Mercy Sunday, the sec-
ond Sunday of Easter, parishioners
of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in
Mechanicsburg and friends of its pas-
tor, Msgr. William J. King, gathered at
the church for a Mass and reception in
celebration of the 35th anniversary of
his ordination to the priesthood.
Msgr. King, who attended St.
Charles Borromeo Seminary, was or-
dained a priest of the diocese on April
9, 1983. He was named Chaplain of
His Holiness with the title of Monsi-
gnor in December 2009 and became
pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Par-
ish in June 2011.
Divine Mercy Sunday was insti-
tuted by St. John Paul II in 1993 in
conjunction with the canonization of
St. Faustina, a Polish nun to whom
Jesus entrusted his message of Divine
Mercy: “I am Love and Mercy itself.”
In a series of private revelations to her
in the 1930s, Jesus told Sister Faustina
that he wanted her to be his “apostle
and secretary” of mercy, and his mes-
sage would eventually be brought to
the world through her diary, “Divine
Mercy in My Soul.”
Earlier this year, St. Elizabeth Ann
Seton Parish installed a new window
CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS
of St. John Paul II in its Divine Mercy
This striking image of St. John Paul II now graces the Divine The chalice used by Msgr. William J. King while celebrating
Mercy Chapel at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Chapel to the join the images of St. Mass in thanksgiving for his 35th anniversary was given to
Mechanicsburg. The pope instituted Divine Mercy Sunday Faustina and the Divine Mercy that him – along with a paten – by his parents on the occasion of
in 1993. grace the tranquil place of prayer. his ordination on April 9, 1983.
Mercy
Continued from 1
we are no longer ashamed of anything.
Do not be afraid of being ashamed! Let
us pass from shame to forgiveness!”
Divine Mercy Sunday, celebrated ev-
ery year on the Sunday after Easter, was
added to the universal church calendar
by St. John Paul II in 2000. The Pol-
ish pope was a longtime devotee of the
Divine Mercy devotions of St. Faustina
Kowalksa, whom he beatified in 1993
and canonized in 2000.
As Pope Francis celebrated the Mass,
a painting of Jesus inspired by St. Faus-
tina’s visions was near the altar. The im-
age, perched on top a bed of white ros-
es, depicts Jesus with one hand raised
in blessing and the other pointing to his
heart emanating red and white light.
As the sounds of the Sistine choir
filled the air, Pope Francis stood and
bowed reverently in front of the paint-
ing before incensing it three times.
In his homily, the pope reflected on
the Sunday Gospel reading from St.
John which recalled the apostle Thom-
as’ disbelief at Christ’s resurrection.
Despite Thomas’ initial lack of faith,
Pope Francis said, Christians should CNS/PAUL HARING
learn from his example and not be con- Pope Francis greets the crowd after celebrating Mass marking the feast of Divine Mercy in St. Peter’s Square at the
tent with hearing from others that Jesus Vatican April 8.
is alive. by touching his love. Only thus can we “They did it out of fear, yet we too The final door, Pope Francis said, is
“A God who is risen but remains dis- go to the heart of the faith and, like the can be afraid, ashamed to open our the actual sin that is “only closed on
tant does not fill our lives; an aloof God disciples, find peace and joy beyond all hearts and confess our sins,” the pope one side, our own,” because God “never
does not attract us, however just and doubt.” said. “May the Lord grant us the grace chooses to abandon us; we are the ones
holy he may be. No, we too need to ‘see There are several “closed doors” that to understand shame, to see it not as a who keep him out.”
God,’ to touch him with our hands and must be opened in order to experience closed door, but as the first step toward However, he added, confession al-
to know that he is risen for us,” the pope this love and to understand that God’s an encounter.” lows for God to work his wonders and
said. mercy “is not simply one of his quali- Another closed door is remaining re- “we discover that the very sin that kept
Like Thomas and the disciples, he ex- ties among others, but the very beating signed to one’s sins, he said, so “in dis- us apart from the Lord becomes the
plained, Christian men and women can of his heart,” Pope Francis said. couragement, we give up on mercy.” place where we encounter him.”
only understand the depth of God’s love The first step, he said, is seeking and Through the sacrament of reconcili- “There the God who is wounded
by “gazing upon” Jesus’ wounds. accepting God’s forgiveness which is ation, Christians are reminded that “it by love comes to meet our wounds.
Although “we can consider ourselves often difficult because “we are tempt- isn’t true that everything remains the He makes our wretched wounds like
Christians, call ourselves Christians and ed to do what the disciples did in the way it was,” and absolution allows them his own glorious wounds. Because he
speak about the many beautiful values Gospel: to barricade ourselves behind “to go forward from forgiveness to for- is mercy and works wonders in our
of faith,” he said, “we need to see Jesus closed doors.” giveness.” wretchedness,” the pope said.
10 - The Catholic Witness • April 13, 2018
Holiness though she is tired, prays the Rosary
and later meets a poor person and of-
fers him a kind word.
Continued from 1
The title of the document was taken
“We are frequently tempted to think from Matthew 5:12 when Jesus says
that holiness is only for those who “rejoice and be glad” to those who are
can withdraw from ordinary affairs to persecuted or humiliated for his sake.
spend much time in prayer,” he wrote. The line concludes the Beatitudes,
But “that is not the case.” in which, Pope Francis said, “Jesus
“We are all called to be holy by liv- explained with great simplicity what
ing our lives with love and by bearing it means to be holy”: living simply,
witness in everything we do, wherever putting God first, trusting him and not
we find ourselves,” he said. earthly wealth or power, being humble,
He wrote about “the saints next mourning with and consoling others,
door” and said he likes “to contemplate being merciful and forgiving, working
the holiness present in the patience of for justice and seeking peace with all.
God’s people: in those parents who The example of the saints officially
raise their children with immense love, recognized by the Church can be
in those men and women who work helpful, he said, but no one else’s path
hard to support can be duplicated
their families, in exactly.
“I like to contemplate the
the sick, in el- Each person, he
derly religious who holiness present in the patience said, needs “to em-
never lose their of God’s people: in those brace that unique
smile.” plan that God
parents who raise their children
Pope Francis also willed for each of
with immense love, in those men
noted the chal- us from eternity.”
lenges to holiness, and women who work hard to The exhortation
writing at length support their families, in the ends with a section
and explicitly on “discernment,”
sick, in elderly religious who
about the devil just which is a gift to
never lose their smile.”
two weeks after an be requested of the
uproar caused by Holy Spirit and
an elderly Italian developed through
journalist who claimed the pope told prayer, reflection, reading Scripture
him he did not believe in the existence and seeking counsel from a trusted
of hell. spiritual guide.
“We should not think of the devil as “A sincere daily ‘examination of
a myth, a representation, a symbol, a conscience’” will help, he said, be-
figure of speech or an idea,” the pope cause holiness involves striving each
wrote in his exhortation. “This mistake day for “all that is great, better and
would lead us to let down our guard, to more beautiful, while at the same time
grow careless and end up more vulner- being concerned for the little things,
able” to the devil’s temptations. for each day’s responsibilities and
“The devil does not need to possess commitments.”
us. He poisons us with the venom of Pope Francis also included a list of
CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS
hatred, desolation, envy and vice,” he cautions. For example, he said holi- York Catholic High School football players Dimitri Amalfitano and Riley
wrote. “When we let down our guard, ness involves finding balance in prayer Brennan pray the Rosary during a Rosary rally for high school athletes led by
he takes advantage of it to destroy our time, time spent enjoying others’ Bishop Ronald Gainer last summer at Bishop McDevitt High School.
lives, our families and our communi- company and time dedicated to serving
“The saints are not odd and aloof, lives of the poor, those already born,
ties.” others in ways large or small. And,
unbearable because of their vanity, the destitute, the abandoned and the
The path to holiness, he wrote, is “needless to say, anything done out of
negativity and bitterness,” he said. underprivileged, the vulnerable infirm
almost always gradual, made up of anxiety, pride or the need to impress
“The apostles of Christ were not like and elderly exposed to covert euthana-
small steps in prayer, in sacrifice and others will not lead to holiness.”
that.” sia....”
in service to others. Being holy is not easy, he said, but
In fact, the pope And, he said,
Being part of a parish community if the attempt makes a person judg- “Thanks be to God, throughout the
said, “Christian one cannot claim
and receiving the sacraments, espe- mental, always frustrated and surly, joy is usually ac- history of the Church it has always that defending the
cially the Eucharist and reconciliation, something is not right.
companied by a been clear that a person’s perfection life of a migrant
are essential
sense of humor.” is a “secondary
is measured not by the information
supports for
The exhortation issue” when com-
living a holy Women pray prior to the Diocesan Respect Life Mass or knowledge they possess, but by
included many pared to abortion
life, the pope held at Good Shepherd Church in Camp Hill in January. the depth of their charity.”
of Pope Francis’ or other bioethical
wrote. And JEN REED, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS familiar refrains questions.
so is finding
about attitudes that “That a politi-
time for silent
destroy the Christian community, like cian looking for votes might say such
prayer. “I do
gossip, or that proclaim themselves to a thing is understandable, but not a
not believe in
be Christian, but are really forms of Christian,” he said.
holiness with-
pride, like knowing all the rules and Pope Francis’ exhortation also
out prayer,”
being quick to judge others for not fol- included warnings about a clear lack
he said, “even
lowing them. of holiness demonstrated by some
though that
Holiness “is not about swooning
Catholics on Twitter or other social
prayer need
in mystic rapture,” he wrote, but it
media, especially when commenting
not be lengthy
is about recognizing and serving the
anonymously.
or involve
Lord in the hungry, the stranger, the
“It is striking at times,” he said, that
intense emo-
naked, the poor and the sick.
“in claiming to uphold the other com-
tion.”
Holiness is holistic, he said, and
“The holi- mandments, they completely ignore
while each person has a special mis-
ness to which the eighth, which forbids bearing false
sion, no one should claim that their
the Lord calls witness or lying.”
particular call or path is the only
you will grow Saints, on the other hand, “do not
worthy one.
through small waste energy complaining about the
“Our defense of the innocent un-
gestures,” he failings of others; they can hold their
born, for example, needs to be clear,
said, before tongue before the faults of their broth-
firm and passionate for at stake is
citing the ers and sisters, and avoid the verbal
the dignity of a human life, which
example of a is always sacred,” the pope wrote. violence that demeans and mistreats
woman who “Equally sacred, however, are the others.”
refuses to
gossip with
a neighbor, “The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path,
returns home
that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal
and listens
gifts that God has placed in their hearts, rather than hopelessly
patiently to
her child even trying to imitate something not meant for them.”